How to Make Red Licorice

Carl HoseUpdated March 23, 2017

Liquorice is a candy that has been a favourite for over a century. Real liquorice, spelt Liquorice, got its name because the key ingredient uses extract from the roots of a liquorice plant. The popular candy treat uses its spelling to distinguish it from real liquorice. If you are one of the many who can't resist red liquorice, you can make it easily in your own home.

Pour 1/2 cup of your initial four cups of water into a bowl and add the unflavored gelatin mix to soften it. This should take just a few minutes.

Pour the rest of your water (3 1/2 cups) into a pan. Bring the water to a boil. Your gelatin should be sufficiently softened by the time your water boils.

Pour your softened gelatin and your cherry-flavoured Jell-O into the boiling water. Let the mixture boil until all of the gelatin and Jell-O have dissolved, stirring the entire time. It should take no more than fifteen seconds.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the anise flavouring. This is the part that gives your candy its liquorice taste. Stir briefly and pour the mixture into your baking pan, then place it into the refrigerator. The mixture will firm as it cools. Cut the finished candy into liquorice strips or squares.

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About the Author

Carl Hose is the author of the anthology "Dead Horizon" and the the zombie novella "Dead Rising." His work has appeared in "Cold Storage," "Butcher Knives and Body Counts," "Writer's Journal," and "Lighthouse Digest.". He is editor of the "Dark Light" anthology to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities.